US7121220B2 - Steering mechanism for watercraft - Google Patents
Steering mechanism for watercraft Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US7121220B2 US7121220B2 US10/814,786 US81478604A US7121220B2 US 7121220 B2 US7121220 B2 US 7121220B2 US 81478604 A US81478604 A US 81478604A US 7121220 B2 US7121220 B2 US 7121220B2
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- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- steering
- watercraft
- rudder
- steering mechanism
- plate member
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Fee Related, expires
Links
- 230000007246 mechanism Effects 0.000 title claims description 39
- 230000004044 response Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 3
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 12
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 claims 3
- 238000001514 detection method Methods 0.000 claims 2
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 abstract description 4
- 230000015572 biosynthetic process Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000006073 displacement reaction Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000008569 process Effects 0.000 description 2
- 229910000831 Steel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 230000001133 acceleration Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000004913 activation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000012141 concentrate Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000008878 coupling Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000010168 coupling process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000005859 coupling reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000005484 gravity Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000010959 steel Substances 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
- B63H—MARINE PROPULSION OR STEERING
- B63H11/00—Marine propulsion by water jets
- B63H11/02—Marine propulsion by water jets the propulsive medium being ambient water
- B63H11/10—Marine propulsion by water jets the propulsive medium being ambient water having means for deflecting jet or influencing cross-section thereof
- B63H11/107—Direction control of propulsive fluid
- B63H11/113—Pivoted outlet
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
- B63H—MARINE PROPULSION OR STEERING
- B63H25/00—Steering; Slowing-down otherwise than by use of propulsive elements; Dynamic anchoring, i.e. positioning vessels by means of main or auxiliary propulsive elements
- B63H25/06—Steering by rudders
- B63H25/38—Rudders
- B63H25/382—Rudders movable otherwise than for steering purposes; Changing geometry
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
- B63H—MARINE PROPULSION OR STEERING
- B63H25/00—Steering; Slowing-down otherwise than by use of propulsive elements; Dynamic anchoring, i.e. positioning vessels by means of main or auxiliary propulsive elements
- B63H25/06—Steering by rudders
- B63H25/38—Rudders
- B63H25/382—Rudders movable otherwise than for steering purposes; Changing geometry
- B63H2025/384—Rudders movable otherwise than for steering purposes; Changing geometry with means for retracting or lifting
- B63H2025/385—Rudders movable otherwise than for steering purposes; Changing geometry with means for retracting or lifting by pivoting
Definitions
- This invention relates to a steering mechanism for jet-propelled watercraft. More particularly, it relates to a steering mechanism for jet-propelled watercraft that is engaged at varying speeds.
- a steering mechanism for jet-propelled watercraft comprising
- a steering mechanism for jet-propelled watercraft comprising:
- the steering mechanism is preferably affixed to the outlet nozzle of the watercraft.
- the securing means may incorporate nut-and-bolt fixtures for affixing the steering mechanism to the body of the watercraft.
- the rudder may incorporate a plate member located in a substantially ventral position.
- the biasing means may incorporate a spring-loaded engaging member that is configured to engage the plate member of the rudder at high speeds or high nozzle velocities, and to disengage from the plate member at low speeds or low nozzle velocities.
- the biasing means may incorporate a piston-and-lug arrangement that biases the rudder towards the non-steering position, preferably wherein the lugs are coupled to the actuating means.
- the actuating means may be coupled to the speedometer, alternatively revolution-counter of the engine, of the watercraft and may incorporate speed-sensitive apparatus which, on the speed, alternatively engine-revolutions of the watercraft dropping below a predetermined level, overcomes the biasing means to reverse the direction of its bias, allowing the rudder to move towards the steering position.
- the biasing means may be caused to reverse the direction of its bias via the activation of a source of pressure.
- the source of pressure may be a pneumatic cylinder.
- the source of pressure may be activated by a solenoid.
- the actuating means may be coupled to the outflow nozzle of the watercraft, and may incorporate pressure-sensitive apparatus, such as a feedback control device and/or venturi. On the pressure dropping below a predetermined level, the control device compels the biasing means to overcome the bias, allowing the rudder to move towards the steering position.
- pressure-sensitive apparatus such as a feedback control device and/or venturi.
- a method for the automatic deployment of a steering mechanism in a watercraft comprising the step of actuating the rudder into the steering position as defined in any of the above consistories.
- FIG. 1 is a profile view showing the steering mechanism according to a first embodiment of the invention, wherein position I depicts the rudder in a non-steering position (i.e. at high speeds), and position II depicts the rudder in a steering position (i.e. at low speeds);
- FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the steering mechanism according to this embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 3 a is a profile view showing the engagement of the rudder and the plate member when in the non-steering position (position I) at high speeds;
- FIG. 3 b is a profile view showing the engagement of the rudder and the plate member when in the steering position (position II) at low speeds;
- FIG. 4 is a profile view showing the steering mechanism according to a second embodiment of the invention, wherein position I depicts the rudder in a non-steering position (i.e., at high speeds), and position II depicts the rudder in a steering position (i.e., at low speeds);
- FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the steering mechanism according to this embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 6 is a diagrammatic representation of the actuating means in one of the alternative embodiments of the invention.
- a steering mechanism in accordance with the invention incorporates a rudder 20 that is coupled to the steering column (not shown) of the watercraft 30 .
- the steering mechanism 10 is secured to the outlet nozzle 60 of the watercraft 30 by means of a steel nut-and-bolt arrangement 70 .
- FIGS. 3 a & 3 b depict a biasing means according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, wherein the biasing means comprises a plate member 140 and a rudder 20 .
- the rudder 20 is attached to the steering outlet nozzle 60 of the watercraft 30 at it's upper end.
- the rudder 20 has a hook-like catch member 150 at its upper attached end that is biased to move in a downwards position by a spring 170 which is attached at one end to the rudder 20 and at the other end to the watercraft nozzle 60 in an offset fashion.
- the plate member is pivotable about a pivot 160 . At low speeds, the free end of the rudder 20 drops under gravity and spring tension, and its hook-like formation 150 disengages from the subjacent plate member 140 , thereby causing the rudder 20 to move into the steering position as the direction of bias changes.
- the higher water pressure acting against the forward surface of the rudder 20 compels the rudder 20 to pivot upwardly in the direction of the water's surface, in which case the hook-like formation 150 engages with the plate member 140 .
- the rudder 20 is disposed of a further plate member 180 , in a substantially ventral position (i.e., facing the outlet nozzle 60 ); the further plate member 180 aiding the hydrodynamics of the rudder 20 through water, and thus facilitating the engaging/disengaging process described above.
- the steering mechanism 10 further incorporates a biasing means comprising pneumatic pistons 40 and lugs 50 .
- the pneumatic pistons 40 are, in turn, coupled to a pneumatic cylinder 80 , which forms part of the actuating means (indicated generally by reference numeral 90 in FIG. 6 ).
- the actuation means 90 could alternatively be a hydraulic piston and cylinder arrangement in which pistons 40 and cylinder 80 are hydraulic, rather than pneumatic.
- a further component of the actuating means 90 in this embodiment of the invention is the revolution counter of the engine 100 , which is coupled to an electrical solenoid 120 via a switch 110 that is built into the revolution counter 100 , and which is activated on the watercraft speed falling below a predetermined level.
- the solenoid 120 when so activated, permits the opening of a valve 130 on a source of pressure—in this instance, being the pneumatic cylinder 80 —which allows for the release of pressure from the pneumatic cylinder 80 , causing the displacement of a pneumatic piston 40 .
- This displacement of the pistons 40 results in a reversal of the direction of the bias of the rudder 20 , as it is moved into the steering position.
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- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Ocean & Marine Engineering (AREA)
- Control Of Vehicle Engines Or Engines For Specific Uses (AREA)
Abstract
The invention relates to an apparatus for and method of automatically actuating the movement of a rudder of a watercraft between a steering and a non-steering position in response to the speed of the watercraft. This invention is particularly applicable for use in jet-propelled watercraft, which have reduced steering capacity at low speeds.
Description
This invention relates to a steering mechanism for jet-propelled watercraft. More particularly, it relates to a steering mechanism for jet-propelled watercraft that is engaged at varying speeds.
Steering devices for watercraft are well-known. The art abounds, in particular, with references to improved rudders for such craft: U.S. Pat. No. 6,428,372, for example, makes claim to a pivotally-mounted rudder for a jet-propulsion unit, while U.S. Pat. No. 5,167,547 discloses a pivotally-mounted rudder that is movable into a steering position.
One example of the major disadvantages associated with the current art is that the watercraft cannot be steered, or cannot be steered satisfactorily if they are not accelerating, as there is insufficient water passing through the engine to provide the jet thrust that is required to steer and turn the craft. When faced with obstacles or other dangerous circumstances in the water, therefore, an operator of watercraft would necessarily be obliged to accelerate in order to provide sufficient power to manoeuvre the craft away from the danger. Such acceleration may often only serve to add to the danger of the situation, particularly for inexperienced operators, and in circumstances in which there is insufficient time to accelerate in order to avoid the danger.
Certain inventions have been directed at the partial alleviation of these disadvantages. In particular, U.S. Pat. No. 5,167,547 claims a steering rudder that is selectively operable at the operator's option, while U.S. Pat. No. 4,949,662 is directed at an auxiliary steering means to create a steering effect in a jet propulsion boat at low speeds. Other patents concentrate more generally on the coupling of an actuator onto a rudder (cf: U.S. Pat. No. 6,428,372).
While this last-mentioned patent discloses an invention that certainly aids the steering of watercraft, it does little to alleviate the second disadvantage, namely engaging an improved steering mechanism within the critical time available to avoid danger when travelling at low speeds.
It is accordingly an object of the present invention to provide an improved steering mechanism for watercraft that engages automatically at off-throttle conditions, and which, at least partially, overcomes the disadvantages outlined above.
According to the invention there is provided a steering mechanism for jet-propelled watercraft comprising
- a rudder, being movable between a steering and a non-steering position, the rudder being coupled to the steering mechanism of the watercraft when it is in the steering position;
- securing means for securing the steering mechanism to the watercraft;
- biasing means for biasing the rudder towards the non-steering position, alternatively the steering position; and
- actuating means for automatically actuating the movement of the rudder against the bias of the biasing means, on the speed of the watercraft dropping below a predetermined level.
According to the invention there is provided a steering mechanism for jet-propelled watercraft comprising:
- a rudder, movable between a steering and a non-steering position, and which rudder is configured to couple with the steering column of the watercraft when in the steering position;
- securing means for securing the steering mechanism to the watercraft;
- biasing means for biasing the rudder towards the non-steering position; and
- actuating means for actuating the movement of the rudder towards the steering position automatically, on the speed of the watercraft dropping below a predetermined level.
The steering mechanism is preferably affixed to the outlet nozzle of the watercraft.
The securing means may incorporate nut-and-bolt fixtures for affixing the steering mechanism to the body of the watercraft.
The rudder may incorporate a plate member located in a substantially ventral position.
The biasing means may incorporate a spring-loaded engaging member that is configured to engage the plate member of the rudder at high speeds or high nozzle velocities, and to disengage from the plate member at low speeds or low nozzle velocities.
In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the biasing means may incorporate a piston-and-lug arrangement that biases the rudder towards the non-steering position, preferably wherein the lugs are coupled to the actuating means.
The actuating means may be coupled to the speedometer, alternatively revolution-counter of the engine, of the watercraft and may incorporate speed-sensitive apparatus which, on the speed, alternatively engine-revolutions of the watercraft dropping below a predetermined level, overcomes the biasing means to reverse the direction of its bias, allowing the rudder to move towards the steering position.
In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the biasing means may be caused to reverse the direction of its bias via the activation of a source of pressure.
In such an embodiment, the source of pressure may be a pneumatic cylinder.
The source of pressure may be activated by a solenoid.
In a further alternative embodiment of the invention, the actuating means may be coupled to the outflow nozzle of the watercraft, and may incorporate pressure-sensitive apparatus, such as a feedback control device and/or venturi. On the pressure dropping below a predetermined level, the control device compels the biasing means to overcome the bias, allowing the rudder to move towards the steering position.
According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a method for the automatic deployment of a steering mechanism in a watercraft, comprising the step of actuating the rudder into the steering position as defined in any of the above consistories.
In order to illustrate the invention an embodiment thereof is described hereunder purely as an example, without limiting the scope of the invention, wherein:
Referring to the drawings, a steering mechanism in accordance with the invention is provided, referred to generally by numeral 10, incorporates a rudder 20 that is coupled to the steering column (not shown) of the watercraft 30. The steering mechanism 10 is secured to the outlet nozzle 60 of the watercraft 30 by means of a steel nut-and-bolt arrangement 70.
Conversely, at high speeds, the higher water pressure acting against the forward surface of the rudder 20 compels the rudder 20 to pivot upwardly in the direction of the water's surface, in which case the hook-like formation 150 engages with the plate member 140.
When, after the speed of the watercraft 30 falls below the predetermined level, the watercraft is caused to accelerate, the increase in water pressure will again cause the rudder 20 to pivot in the direction of the water's surface, and the hook-like formation 150 to engage with the plate member 140 as the rudder becomes biased in the non-steering position. This process of engaging and disengaging the rudder into the steering and non-steering positions respectively may be repeated ad infinitum. The rudder 20 is disposed of a further plate member 180, in a substantially ventral position (i.e., facing the outlet nozzle 60); the further plate member 180 aiding the hydrodynamics of the rudder 20 through water, and thus facilitating the engaging/disengaging process described above.
In an alternative embodiment of the invention, as depicted in FIGS. 4 to 6 , the steering mechanism 10 further incorporates a biasing means comprising pneumatic pistons 40 and lugs 50. The pneumatic pistons 40 are, in turn, coupled to a pneumatic cylinder 80, which forms part of the actuating means (indicated generally by reference numeral 90 in FIG. 6 ). It should be noted that the actuation means 90 could alternatively be a hydraulic piston and cylinder arrangement in which pistons 40 and cylinder 80 are hydraulic, rather than pneumatic.
As shown in FIG. 6 , a further component of the actuating means 90 in this embodiment of the invention is the revolution counter of the engine 100, which is coupled to an electrical solenoid 120 via a switch 110 that is built into the revolution counter 100, and which is activated on the watercraft speed falling below a predetermined level. The solenoid 120, when so activated, permits the opening of a valve 130 on a source of pressure—in this instance, being the pneumatic cylinder 80—which allows for the release of pressure from the pneumatic cylinder 80, causing the displacement of a pneumatic piston 40. This displacement of the pistons 40, in turn, results in a reversal of the direction of the bias of the rudder 20, as it is moved into the steering position.
While the embodiments described above show what is envisaged as the more practical embodiments of the invention, it is understood that the concept of actuating a rudder 20 against a bias in an automatic response to the speed of a watercraft could also be used in alternative embodiments, in particular the biasing of the rudder to a steering position, and the automatic actuation of the movement of the rudder towards a non-steering position, on the speed of the watercraft dropping below a predetermined level.
It will further be appreciated that numerous embodiments of the invention may be performed without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the consistory statements above.
Claims (15)
1. A steering mechanism for jet-propelled watercraft comprising:
a rudder, the rudder being movable between a steering and a non-steering position and configured to couple with a steering column of the watercraft when in a steering position, and incorporating a plate member located in a substantially ventral position;
securing means for securing the steering mechanism to the watercraft;
biasing means for biasing the rudder towards a non-steering position; and
actuating means for actuating the movement of the rudder towards the steering position automatically, upon the speed of the watercraft dropping below a predetermined level, and
wherein the biasing means incorporates a spring-loaded engaging member that is configured to engage the plate member of the rudder at high speeds or high nozzle velocities, and to disengage from the plate member at low speeds or low nozzle velocities.
2. A steering mechanism as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the steering mechanism is affixed to an outlet nozzle of the watercraft.
3. A steering mechanism as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the securing means incorporates nut-and-bolt fixtures for affixing the steering mechanism to the body of the watercraft.
4. A steering mechanism as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the biasing means incorporates a piston-and-lug arrangement that biases the rudder towards the non-steering position.
5. A steering mechanism as claimed in claim 4 , wherein the lug is coupled to the actuating means.
6. A steering mechanism as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the actuating means is adapted to detect the speed of the watercraft, and, on detecting that the speed of the watercraft has dropped below a predetermined level, overcomes the biasing means to reverse the direction of its bias, allowing the rudder to move towards the steering position.
7. A steering mechanism as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the actuating means is adapted to detect the rate of revolutions of the watercraft engine and may incorporate speed-sensitive apparatus which, on the engine-revolutions of the watercraft dropping below a predetermined level, overcomes the biasing means to reverse the direction of its bias, allowing the rudder to move towards the steering position.
8. A steering mechanism as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the actuating means is adapted to detect water pressure by a water pressure detection means, and to actuate movement of the rudder in response to the detected water pressure.
9. A steering mechanism as claimed in claim 8 , wherein the water pressure detection means detects water pressure within the outlet nozzle of the watercraft.
10. A steering mechanism as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the actuating means operates by means of pressurized fluid.
11. A steering mechanism as claimed in claim 10 , wherein the source of pressurized fluid is a pressurized cylinder.
12. A steering mechanism as claimed in claim 11 , wherein the pressurized fluid is released from the pressurized cylinder for use in the actuation means by a solenoid.
13. A steering mechanism as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the actuation means is a pneumatic piston and cylinder arrangement.
14. A steering mechanism as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the actuation means is a hydraulic piston and cylinder arrangement.
15. A steering mechanism for jet-propelled watercraft comprising:
a rudder, the rudder being movable between a steering and a non-steering position and configured to couple with a steering column of the watercraft when in a steering position, and incorporating a plate member located in a substantially ventral position;
securing means for securing the steering mechanism to the watercraft;
biasing means for biasing the rudder towards the steering position, and
actuating means for automatically actuating the movement of the rudder towards the non-steering position, upon the speed of the watercraft dropping below a predetermined level, and
wherein the biasing means incorporates a spring-loaded engaging member that is configured to engage the plate member of the rudder at high speeds or high nozzle velocities, and to disengage from the plate member at low speeds or low nozzle velocities.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| ZA200302710 | 2003-04-04 | ||
| ZA2003/2710 | 2003-04-04 |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| US20050145153A1 US20050145153A1 (en) | 2005-07-07 |
| US7121220B2 true US7121220B2 (en) | 2006-10-17 |
Family
ID=34711997
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| US10/814,786 Expired - Fee Related US7121220B2 (en) | 2003-04-04 | 2004-04-01 | Steering mechanism for watercraft |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (1) | US7121220B2 (en) |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US20070029879A1 (en) * | 2005-08-04 | 2007-02-08 | Eldredge James G | Distribution of universal DC power in buildings |
Families Citing this family (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IT1397750B1 (en) * | 2010-01-26 | 2013-01-24 | Fb Design Srl | STEERING UNIT FOR BOATS. |
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| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US4054101A (en) | 1976-02-23 | 1977-10-18 | Meade James M | Steering vane |
| CA1165185A (en) | 1981-01-15 | 1984-04-10 | Wolfgang Barkemeyer | Rudder for watercraft |
| US4949662A (en) | 1988-11-02 | 1990-08-21 | Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha | Steering device for small sized jet propulsion boat |
| US5050518A (en) | 1987-11-27 | 1991-09-24 | Sanshin Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha | Automatic steering device |
| US5167547A (en) | 1990-08-30 | 1992-12-01 | Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha | Rudder for watercraft |
| US5244425A (en) * | 1990-05-17 | 1993-09-14 | Sanshin Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha | Water injection propulsion unit |
| US5509369A (en) | 1994-10-11 | 1996-04-23 | Nautamatic Marine Systems | Small watercraft automatic steering apparatus and method |
| US5741166A (en) * | 1995-09-08 | 1998-04-21 | Newman; James O. | Electrically controlled hydraulic power boat controls |
| US5879209A (en) | 1997-08-13 | 1999-03-09 | Brunswick Corporation | Automatic trim control system for jet propelled watercraft |
| US6178907B1 (en) | 1999-04-27 | 2001-01-30 | David C. Shirah | Steering system for watercraft |
| US6203038B1 (en) | 1997-11-07 | 2001-03-20 | Wandfluh Automotive Ag | Vehicle steering mechanism |
| CA2333831A1 (en) | 2000-02-04 | 2001-08-04 | Bombardier Inc. | Personal watercraft and off-power steering system for a personal watercraft |
| US6302047B1 (en) | 2000-09-14 | 2001-10-16 | Todd Randall Cannon | Retractable rudder assembly for personal watercraft |
| US6336834B1 (en) * | 2000-08-10 | 2002-01-08 | The United States Of America As Represented By The Secretary Of The Navy | Self-deploying rudder for high speed maneuverability of jet-powered watercraft |
| US6349940B1 (en) | 1999-01-25 | 2002-02-26 | Betty Florene Nimry | Collapsible, game card holding means |
| US6428372B1 (en) | 2001-08-11 | 2002-08-06 | Bombardier Motor Corporation Of America | Water jet propulsion unit with retractable rudder |
| US6491554B1 (en) * | 2000-07-11 | 2002-12-10 | Bombardier Motor Corporation Of America | Watercraft with steerable planing surface |
| US6523489B2 (en) | 2000-02-04 | 2003-02-25 | Bombardier Inc. | Personal watercraft and off-power steering system for a personal watercraft |
| US6538217B1 (en) | 2000-10-05 | 2003-03-25 | Sleipner Motor As | Manually operable suitable control unit for a boat |
| US6695654B2 (en) * | 2001-10-26 | 2004-02-24 | Ronald E. Simner | Retractable rudder system for water jet pump vessels |
Family Cites Families (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US6439940B1 (en) * | 2001-04-24 | 2002-08-27 | Alexander Pouchkarev | Fin and watercraft system |
-
2004
- 2004-04-01 US US10/814,786 patent/US7121220B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Patent Citations (20)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US4054101A (en) | 1976-02-23 | 1977-10-18 | Meade James M | Steering vane |
| CA1165185A (en) | 1981-01-15 | 1984-04-10 | Wolfgang Barkemeyer | Rudder for watercraft |
| US5050518A (en) | 1987-11-27 | 1991-09-24 | Sanshin Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha | Automatic steering device |
| US4949662A (en) | 1988-11-02 | 1990-08-21 | Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha | Steering device for small sized jet propulsion boat |
| US5244425A (en) * | 1990-05-17 | 1993-09-14 | Sanshin Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha | Water injection propulsion unit |
| US5167547A (en) | 1990-08-30 | 1992-12-01 | Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha | Rudder for watercraft |
| US5509369A (en) | 1994-10-11 | 1996-04-23 | Nautamatic Marine Systems | Small watercraft automatic steering apparatus and method |
| US5741166A (en) * | 1995-09-08 | 1998-04-21 | Newman; James O. | Electrically controlled hydraulic power boat controls |
| US5879209A (en) | 1997-08-13 | 1999-03-09 | Brunswick Corporation | Automatic trim control system for jet propelled watercraft |
| US6203038B1 (en) | 1997-11-07 | 2001-03-20 | Wandfluh Automotive Ag | Vehicle steering mechanism |
| US6349940B1 (en) | 1999-01-25 | 2002-02-26 | Betty Florene Nimry | Collapsible, game card holding means |
| US6178907B1 (en) | 1999-04-27 | 2001-01-30 | David C. Shirah | Steering system for watercraft |
| CA2333831A1 (en) | 2000-02-04 | 2001-08-04 | Bombardier Inc. | Personal watercraft and off-power steering system for a personal watercraft |
| US6523489B2 (en) | 2000-02-04 | 2003-02-25 | Bombardier Inc. | Personal watercraft and off-power steering system for a personal watercraft |
| US6491554B1 (en) * | 2000-07-11 | 2002-12-10 | Bombardier Motor Corporation Of America | Watercraft with steerable planing surface |
| US6336834B1 (en) * | 2000-08-10 | 2002-01-08 | The United States Of America As Represented By The Secretary Of The Navy | Self-deploying rudder for high speed maneuverability of jet-powered watercraft |
| US6302047B1 (en) | 2000-09-14 | 2001-10-16 | Todd Randall Cannon | Retractable rudder assembly for personal watercraft |
| US6538217B1 (en) | 2000-10-05 | 2003-03-25 | Sleipner Motor As | Manually operable suitable control unit for a boat |
| US6428372B1 (en) | 2001-08-11 | 2002-08-06 | Bombardier Motor Corporation Of America | Water jet propulsion unit with retractable rudder |
| US6695654B2 (en) * | 2001-10-26 | 2004-02-24 | Ronald E. Simner | Retractable rudder system for water jet pump vessels |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US20070029879A1 (en) * | 2005-08-04 | 2007-02-08 | Eldredge James G | Distribution of universal DC power in buildings |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| US20050145153A1 (en) | 2005-07-07 |
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